ASU: Tau Kappa Epsilon loses recognition

Rev. Luther Holland of the First Institution Baptist speaks at a civil rights protest outside of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication on Tuesday. Civil rights leaders gathered to protest a weekend party hosted by the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. (Photo by Rachel Nemeh)

ASU announced Thursday night that it has permanently revoked Tau Kappa Epsilon’s recognition as a fraternity chapter in the University.

TKE, which was placed on probation in 2012, was suspended Monday after hosting an off-campus MLK-themed party that the University found encouraged “racially insensitive theme and created an environment conducive to underage consumption of alcohol,” according to a statement released by ASU.

The University will continue to investigate the actions of individual TKE members and other students who attended the party. Once the investigation concludes, action will be taken under ASU and Arizona Board of Regents policies, the statement said.

TKE violations include off-campus conduct that a reasonable person would believe to pose a risk to the health, safety or security of the University community, engaging in discriminatory activities and violation of the Board or University rules.

ASU President Michael Crow released a statement Thursday explaining the University’s decision.

“The ASU Student Code of Conduct sets forth the standards of conduct expected of students who choose to join our University community,” he said in the statement. “At ASU, students who violate these standards will be subject to disciplinary sanctions … to maintain order and stability on our campuses.”

Reach the news editor at dpbaltaz@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @dpalomabp